The year 2026 has brought Australia’s supply of Euro 6 Heavy Vehicles into the Country and have presented some interesting challenges for the heavy vehicle and plant manufacturing industry. The push for Euro 6 vehicles mainly comes from improved emission standards (ADR 80/04) as they require huge reductions in nitrogen oxides (Nox) and particulate matter; a global attempt to improve environmental conditions.

Although Euro 6 vehicles are better for the environment, for operators, they are slightly more expensive and also heavier; roughly 200-300kg depending on the vehicle. To off-set this overall increase in vehicle weight, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has been in discussion with industry leaders on mass limit reforms to try and prevent loss of industrial productivity.

The transition to Euro 6 vehicles has presented several challenges to Redmond Gary as the EWP plant for the new model Isuzu required some major changes to its engineering specifications and design in order to adapt and fit the variant. For some models, the cab chassis rails width was actually increased which led to a re-design for the entire subframe weldment. In addition, a new cabinet layout design was required as a result of the changes to the Isuzu exhaust system and addition of the Adblue tank.

The electrical circuit and interface between the Isuzu truck electrical system and the plant had to be modified to include changes to the RG electrical circuit and truck starter system. As with most new truck models, wiring colours and cable routing was also changed which caused further problem solving and out-of-the-box thinking by RG’s design and fit-out team.